U.S. patent application number 10/021872 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-07 for device for displaying lenticular displays.
Invention is credited to McKinley, William R..
Application Number | 20020163732 10/021872 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32716546 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020163732 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McKinley, William R. |
November 7, 2002 |
Device for displaying lenticular displays
Abstract
The claimed invention provides a self-actuating lenticular
display assembly that places the lenticular image in intimate
contact with the lenticular lens while maintaining the lenticular
image separate from the lenticular lens to form the lenticular
display. The lenticular display assembly further comprises a rigid
back plate placed behind the lenticular display so that the
lenticular image moves in a parallel plane between the lenticular
lens and the rigid back plate, a motor that accomplishes movement
of the lenticular image in relation to the lenticular lens,
alignment mechanisms that allow the lenticular image to be
incrementally adjusted in relation to the lenticular lens, and
different means for maintaining intimacy between the lenticular
image and the lenticular lens, thus eliminating undesirable "soft
spots" that may occur.
Inventors: |
McKinley, William R.; (Golf,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John W. Hayes
Lee, Mann, Smith, McWilliams, Sweeney & Ohlson
P.O. Box 2786
Chicago
IL
60690-2786
US
|
Family ID: |
32716546 |
Appl. No.: |
10/021872 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10021872 |
Dec 7, 2001 |
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09800969 |
Mar 6, 2001 |
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6384980 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
359/619 ;
359/621; 359/622; 359/623 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B 25/02 20130101;
G03B 27/10 20130101; G02B 30/27 20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
359/619 ;
359/621; 359/622; 359/623 |
International
Class: |
G02B 027/10 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An improved self-actuating lenticular display device adapted for
insertion into an existing visual display system, the improved
device comprising: a lenticular lens plate comprising a plurality
of lenticular lenses; a back plate attached to the lenticular lens
plate; a lenticular image plate, the lenticular image plate being
positioned between the lenticular lens plate and the back plate,
the lenticular image plate having a perimeter with grommets
positioned within the perimeter of the lenticular image plate; a
motor for moving the lenticular image plate, the motor fixedly
attached to the back plate and cooperatively attached to the
grommets of the lenticular image plate; and at least one aligning
assembly that aligns the lenticular image plate with the lenticular
lens plate, the aligning assembly being fixedly attached to the
back plate.
2. The improved self-actuating lenticular display device of claim 1
further comprising an inflatable sealed bladder located between the
lenticular image plate and the back plate and a pump, the pump
inflating the inflatable sealed bladder so that soft spots are
eliminated from the lenticular display by maintaining the intimacy
between the lenticular lens plate and the lenticular image
plate.
3. The improved self-actuating lenticular display device of claim 1
further comprising an evacuated chamber between the lenticular lens
and the back plate so that the vacuum in the evacuated chamber
eliminates soft spots from the lenticular display by maintaining
intimacy between lenticular lens plate and the lenticular image
plate.
4. The improved self-actuating lenticular display device of claim 1
further comprising a protective plate adjacent the lenticular lens
plate, opposite the lenticular image plate, and a pressurized
chamber between the protective plate and the lenticular lens plate
so that the pressure of the pressurized chamber eliminates soft
spots from the lenticular display by deflecting the lenticular lens
plate toward the lenticular image plate maintaining intimacy
between lenticular lens plate and the lenticular image plate.
5. The improved self-actuating lenticular display device of claim 1
having one aligning assembly that aligns the lenticular image plate
with the lenticular lens plate vertically, and a second aligning
assembly that aligns the lenticular image plate with the lenticular
lens plate horizontally.
6. An improved self-actuating lenticular display device adapted for
insertion into an existing visual display system, the improved
device comprising: a lenticular lens plate comprising a plurality
of lenticular lenses; a back plate attached to the lenticular lens
plate; a lenticular image plate positioned between the lenticular
lens plate and the back plate, the lenticular image plate having a
perimeter with grommets positioned within the perimeter of the
lenticular image plate; a motor for moving the lenticular image
plate, the motor cooperatively attached to the grommets of the
lenticular image plate; at least one aligning assembly that aligns
the lenticular image plate with the lenticular lens plate, the
aligning assembly being fixedly attached to the back plate; an
inflatable sealed bladder located between the lenticular image
plate and the back plate; and a pump, the pump inflating the
inflatable sealed bladder so that soft spots are eliminated by
maintaining the intimacy between the lenticular image plate and the
lenticular lens plate.
7. The improved self-actuating lenticular display device of claim 6
having one aligning assembly that aligns the lenticular image plate
with the lenticular lens plate vertically, and a second aligning
assembly that aligns the lenticular image plate with the lenticular
lens plate horizontally.
8. The improved self-actuating lenticular display device of claim 6
wherein the inflatable sealed bladder is formed by attaching
flexible plastic material to the back plate, between the lenticular
image plate and the back plate.
9. The improved self-actuating lenticular display device of claim 8
wherein the inflatable sealed bladder is inflated to a pressure of
less than 3 p.s.i.
10. An improved self-actuating lenticular display device adapted
for insertion into an existing visual display system, the improved
device comprising: a lenticular lens plate comprising a plurality
of lenticular lenses; a back plate; means for attaching the back
plate and the lenticular lens plate; a lenticular image plate, the
lenticular image plate being positioned between the lenticular lens
plate and the back plate, the lenticular image plate having a
perimeter with means for engaging positioned within the perimeter
of the lenticular image plate; means for moving the lenticular
image plate, the means for moving the lenticular image plate being
fixedly attached to the back plate and cooperatively attached to
the means for engaging of the lenticular image plate; and means for
aligning the lenticular image plate with the lenticular lens plate,
the means for aligning being fixedly attached to the back
plate.
11. The improved self-actuating lenticular display device of claim
10 further comprising means for maintaining the lenticular image
plate in intimate relationship with the lenticular lens plate
thereby eliminating soft spots from the lenticular display.
12. The improved self-actuating lenticular display device of claim
11 wherein the means for maintaining the lenticular image plate in
intimate relationship with the lenticular lens plate comprises an
inflatable sealed bladder located between the lenticular image
plate and the back plate and a pump, the pump inflating the
inflatable sealed bladder so that soft spots are eliminated from
the lenticular display by maintaining intimacy between the
lenticular lens plate and the lenticular image plate.
13. The improved self-actuating lenticular display device of claim
11 wherein the means for maintaining the lenticular image plate in
intimate relationship with the lenticular lens plate comprises an
evacuated chamber between the lenticular lens and the back plate so
that the vacuum in the evacuated chamber eliminates soft spots from
the lenticular display by maintaining intimacy between lenticular
lens plate and the lenticular image plate.
14. The improved self-actuating lenticular display device of claim
11 further comprises a protective plate adjacent the lenticular
lens plate, opposite the lenticular image plate, and the means for
maintaining the lenticular image plate in intimate relationship
with the lenticular lens plate comprises a pressurized chamber
between the protective plate and the lenticular lens plate so that
the pressure of the pressurized eliminates soft spots by deflecting
the lenticular lens plate toward the lenticular image plate
maintaining intimacy between lenticular lens plate and the
lenticular image plate.
15. The improved self-actuating lenticular display device of claim
10 wherein the means for moving the lenticular image plate is a
motor.
16. The improved self-actuating lenticular display device of claim
15 wherein the means for aligning the lenticular image plate with
the lenticular lens plate comprises at least one aligning assembly
that aligns the lenticular image plate with the lenticular lens
plate.
17. The improved self-actuating lenticular display device of claim
16 wherein the means for engaging positioned within the perimeter
of the lenticular image plate comprises at least one grommet.
18. An improved self-actuating display device adapted for insertion
into an existing visual display system, the improved device
comprising: an image resolving plate; a back plate attached to the
image resolving plate; a lenticular image plate, the lenticular
image plate being positioned between the image resolving plate and
the back plate, the lenticular image plate having a perimeter with
grommets positioned within the perimeter of the lenticular image
plate; a motor for moving the lenticular image plate, and at least
one aligning assembly that aligns the lenticular image plate with
the image resolving plate.
19. The improved self-actuating display device of claim 18, further
comprising means for maintaining intimacy of contact between the
image resolving plate and the lenticular image plate.
20. The improved self-actuating display device of claim 19, wherein
the means for maintaining intimacy of contact between the image
resolving plate and the lenticular image plate comprises an
electrostatic attraction system.
21. The improved self-actuating display device of claim 20, wherein
the electrostatic attraction system comprises a conductive region
in intimate contact with one surface of the image resolving plate,
and means for applying an electrical charge to the conductive
region.
22. The improved self-actuating display device of claim 21, wherein
the means for applying an electrical charge comprises a D.C. power
supply electrically coupled to the conductive region.
23. The improved self-actuating display device of claim 18, wherein
the image resolving plate comprises a lenticular lens plate.
24. The improved self-actuating display device of claim 18, wherein
the image resolving plate comprises a barrier strip.
25. The improved self-actuating display device of claim 18, wherein
the motor is fixedly attached to the back plate and cooperatively
attached to the grommets of the lenticular image plate.
26. The improved self-actuating display device of claim 18, wherein
the aligning assembly is fixedly attached to the back plate.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/800,969, filed Mar. 6, 2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to a method and
device for displaying signage systems. More specifically, the
present invention relates to an improvement in displaying
lenticular images.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] A lenticular lens as used in this field is a sheet of
transparent material having one side composed of a contiguous array
of cylindrical lenses known as lenticules, and the other side being
generally flat. U.S. Pat. No. 5,757,545 issued to Wu et al.
discusses the structure of a lenticular lens. Lenticular images
that are typically used in conjunction with the lenticular lenses
are composite images composed of several different independent
images interlaced into the same space. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,364,274 and
5,494,445 issued to Sekiguchi discuss the process of making a
lenticular image.
[0006] Viewing a lenticular image through a lenticular lens,
collectively known as a lenticular display, is well known in the
prior art. A lenticular display allows a viewer to perceive
multiple images appearing individually within the same dimensional
space or plane. It is also possible for a person viewing a
lenticular display to perceive a three dimensional visual effect
within the same plane due to the parallax shift associated with the
distance between the viewer's eyes viewing a slightly different
image presented by the lenticular display.
[0007] A lenticular image is typically either imprinted directly to
the back side of the lenticular lens or fixedly mounted to the back
side of the lens to form the lenticular display. U.S. Pat. No.
5,710,666 issued to McDonald discloses a viewer that holds a
lenticular image behind a lenticular lens. Similarly, U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,850,913 and 5,941,382 issued to Fantone et al. discloses a
display box utilizing a lenticular image viewed through a
lenticular lens. In order to perceive the different images
presented in lenticular displays of this type, the angle at which
the viewer observes the lenticular display must be changed. Thus,
as the viewer's angle of observation changes, the discrete images
contained within the lenticular image are seen as different images
or a sequence of related images as animations or morphs. To allow a
stationary viewer to perceive the different images presented in a
lenticular display of this type, the lenticular display must be
moved in order to achieve the necessary angle change.
Alternatively, the movement of the viewer can be relied upon to
change the angle of observance of a stationary lenticular display
of this type. FIG. 1 illustrates a lenticular display of this
typical prior art type where the lenticular image is fixedly
attached to the lenticular lens. Thus, a signage display system
utilizing a typical lenticular display for advertising or other
such purposes, must therefor be moved if one desires to display the
different lenticular images to a stationary viewer.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,118,879 issued to Simons discloses an
animated display device having illuminating means in which shutter
film and program film are continuously maintained in complete
contact. To accomplish this, a rigid platen having a convex surface
that carries the shutter film is mounted within a housing disposed
in facing contact with the convex surface of the platen. Tensioning
springs are used to hold the shutter film against the convex
platen. Drive means are provided for moving the program film
relative to the platen so as to alter the alignment of the shutter
film and program film to change the image projected by the device.
This display device is of rather complex structure consisting of
many expensive parts, is rather cumbersome to install, and is not
adaptable for use with existing standard signage display systems
and light box displays.
[0009] Therefore, there exists a need for an effective
self-actuating lenticular display assembly that can be used with
existing and standard signage display systems and light box
displays. It is the primary object of this invention to fill this
need.
[0010] Another objective of the claimed invention is to provide a
self-actuating lenticular display that is less expensive and
complex to manufacture.
[0011] Another objective of the claimed invention is to provide a
self-actuating lenticular display that is relatively light and has
a thin profile.
[0012] Another objective of the claimed invention is to provide a
self-actuating lenticular display that provides means to reduce
"soft spots" which may occur during operation of a self-actuating
lenticular display.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The claimed invention is directed to providing a solution to
the problem of complex lenticular display devices that are
expensive to manufacture and are not adaptable to existing standard
signage display systems and light box displays, as well as other
problems associated with the effective presentation of lenticular
displays.
[0014] The claimed invention provides a self-actuating lenticular
display assembly that places the lenticular image in intimate
contact with the lenticular lens while maintaining the lenticular
image separate from the lenticular lens to form the lenticular
display. Since the lenticular image is separate from that of the
lenticular lens, the position of either the lenticular image or the
lenticular lens can be moved while the other can remain stationary.
The lenticular display assembly utilizes the independent nature of
the lenticular image by moving a smaller lenticular image in a
parallel plane to that of the lenticular lens while allowing an
existing standard signage display system to hold the lenticular
lens in a stationary position. This independent relationship forms
an effective lenticular display capable of displaying the different
images of a lenticular image that can be used in an existing
stationary signage display system or display light box. With the
lenticular lens remaining stationary, and the lenticular image
moving in a parallel plane behind the lenticular lens inside the
signage display system or display light box, the lenticular display
appears to remain stationary to the viewer while the displayed
images change.
[0015] The lenticular display assembly further comprises a rigid
back plate placed behind the lenticular display so that the
lenticular image moves in a parallel plane between the lenticular
lens and the rigid back plate. Ordinarily, the rigid back plate is
smaller than the lenticular lens so that the outer profile of the
lenticular display assembly has a thickness equal to the thickness
of the lenticular lens. However, the rigid back plate may also be
larger than the lens if the particular application so dictates.
Consequently, whenever the back plate and lens happen to be of
different sizes, the outermost profile may be reduced to the
thickness of whichever plate is largest.
[0016] The rigid back plate is preferably made of a transparent
material when the lenticular display assembly is constructed to be
used in a light box display that provides light from behind the
lenticular display assembly. The rigid back plate can however be
made of many other types of non-transparent material if the
lenticular display assembly is anticipated to be used in a setting
that will not use back lighting, such as hanging the lenticular
display assembly directly on a wall.
[0017] The resulting structure of the claimed self-actuating
lenticular display assembly provides an assembly with a
light-weight as well as slim profile that can be used in existing
standard signage display systems with little or no
modification.
[0018] To accomplish the movement of the lenticular image in
relation to the lenticular lens, a motor located in proximate
relation to the top or bottom center of the lenticular image is
used. The motorized movement of the lenticular image behind the
lenticular lens provides the self-actuating effect of the
lenticular display assembly.
[0019] One critical aspect of displaying lenticular images is the
physical alignment of the linear axis of the lens (or lenticules)
with the linear axis of the lenticular images. Alignment and
positioning between the lenticular image and lenticular lens must
be maintained for a viewer to observe the multiple images as the
lenticular image moves in a direction perpendicular to the linear
axis of lenticular lens. The claimed invention maintains this
critical relationship by employing alignment mechanisms that allow
the lenticular image to be incrementally adjusted in relation to
the lenticular lens.
[0020] Another important aspect pertaining to employing a
lenticular image separate from the lenticular lens is maintaining
the "intimacy of the relationship" between the lenticular image and
the lenticular lens. If the lenticular image is not maintained in
an intimate relationship with the lenticular lens, "soft spots"
occur in the displayed image. A "soft spot" describes the blurred
lenticular display or portion of the lenticular display that is
produced when the intimacy of the relationship is not maintained
and the image resides outside of the focal length of the lens. The
"soft spot" is an undesirable condition that detracts from the
presentation of an effective lenticular display. The claimed
invention claims different means for maintaining intimacy between
the lenticular image and the lenticular lens, thus eliminating
undesirable "soft spots" that may occur.
[0021] One embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in FIG. 2,
is directed to a signage display system utilizing the claimed
lenticular display assembly with the means for maintaining the
intimacy of the relationship comprising a sealed bladder that is
formed by attaching a flexible material such as thin plastic
sheeting to the rigid back plate. The sealed bladder is inflated
with air by way of a hose connected to a motorized pump mounted to
the back side of the back plate that pushes the lenticular image
toward the lenticular lens. As the sealed bladder inflates, it
pushes against the back side of the lenticular image. Due to the
lenticular image being printed on a pliable medium such as plastic
film, the sealed bladder pushes the lenticular image toward the
lenticular lens as the rigid back plate resists deflection. The
internal pressure of the sealed bladder can then be increased or
decreased to control the intimacy of relationship between the
lenticular image and the lenticular lens. A preferred technique for
pressure control is the use of a pressure control valve such as a
Johnson Controls Model Number P32 AF-2, having an adjustable
pressure threshold from 0.05 to 5 inches of water. A small cooling
fan, similar to the type used to ventilate a personal computer
housing, may be mounted over an opening in the back plate as a
substitute for the motorized pump that inflates the bladder.
[0022] Another embodiment of the claimed invention shown in FIG. 4
is directed to a signage display system utilizing the claimed
lenticular display assembly with the means for maintaining the
intimacy of the relationship comprising a sealed chamber between
the lenticular lens and the rigid back plate. A motorized pump by
way of a hose evacuates the sealed chamber to form a vacuum within
the sealed chamber. The vacuum pulls the lenticular lens and
lenticular image toward the rigid back plate. As the sealed chamber
is evacuated, the lenticular lens and the lenticular image are
drawn together to attain the desired intimacy between the
lenticular image and the lenticular lens. The evacuation rate can
be altered to vary the intimacy of the relationship between the
lenticular lens and the lenticular image.
[0023] Yet another embodiment of the claimed invention shown in
FIG. 3 is directed to a signage display system that utilizes the
claimed lenticular display assembly with the means for maintaining
the intimacy of the relationship utilizing the sealed chamber
concept to deflect the lenticular lens toward the lenticular image.
This embodiment forms a sealed chamber between the lenticular lens
and a rigid protective glass or cover that protects the lenticular
lens. The sealed chamber is pressurized with air by way of a hose
connected to a motorized pump mounted to the back side of the rigid
back plate. As the sealed chamber pressurizes, the lenticular lens
deflects toward the lenticular image to attain the desired intimacy
between the lenticular image and the lenticular lens.
[0024] As discussed above, one embodiment of the present invention
contemplates a self-contained display system utilizing a lenticular
lens and graphic in which a motor displaces the graphic to bring
the appropriate portions of the artwork into alignment with the
lens segments. In order to minimize the "soft spot" phenomenon that
plagues known displays of this type, one of the illustrative
embodiments utilizes a pressurized bladder to ensure the requisite
degree of intimacy of contact between the display surface of the
graphic and the lens through which the images are viewed.
[0025] Although the bladder system represented an innovation in
this type of display, construction of a properly operating system
based upon this technology has proven to be a bit touchy as well as
a bit expensive. Since the thin, inflatable bladder requires an
internal pressure only slightly greater than ambient to function
properly, a pressure regulating system of the necessary sensitivity
and accuracy is an expensive item that is difficult of construction
and installation. It may also add a measure of fragility to the
overall system that is considered something of a drawback,
considering the field environment in which these display systems
are regularly used.
[0026] To overcome this difficulty, an alternative embodiment is
described in which a transparent conductive coating is applied to
either or both the lenticular lens and the graphic sheet, and an
electrical charge is then applied. The electrical charge attracts
the graphic sheet to the lens relatively firmly and uniformly,
eliminating the need for the bladder or other alternatives for
achieving intimacy of contact as described above. Of course, the
charge cannot be too great, or the graphic sheet will adhere so
firmly that the standard drive motor may no longer be capable of
moving it smoothly.
[0027] It is also worth noting that the lenticular lens described
hereinabove serves the purpose of resolving a particular image
(among a set of images that have been applied to the graphic image
plate) for the benefit of an observer at a distance. Other means
for resolving an image, other than a lenticular lens, have also
proven to be advantageous. Chief among these is the so-called
"barrier strip" or "shutter film" comprising an alternating series
of parallel, laterally extending regions of an opaque and
transparent nature. A barrier strip may be substituted for the
lenticular lens plates recited in the specification.
[0028] Other advantages and aspects of the present invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1--Illustrates a prior art lenticular display with a
lenticular image fixedly mounted to a lenticular lens.
[0030] FIG. 2--Illustrates a side view of one exemplary embodiment
of the lenticular display assembly with an inflated sealed
bladder.
[0031] FIG. 3--Illustrates a side view of the lenticular display
assembly with a second sealed chamber.
[0032] FIG. 4--Illustrates a side view of the lenticular display
assembly utilizing a sealed chamber.
[0033] FIG. 5--Illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the
lenticular display assembly with an inflated sealed bladder.
[0034] FIG. 6--Illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the
lenticular display assembly.
[0035] FIG. 7--Illustrates a back view of one embodiment of the
lenticular display assembly.
[0036] FIG. 8--Illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of
the first alignment means integrated with the moving means.
[0037] FIG. 9--Illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of
the first alignment means integrated with the moving means.
[0038] FIG. 10--Illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment
of the second alignment means.
[0039] FIG. 11--Illustrates the slider, off-center cam, and drive
pin.
[0040] FIG. 12--Illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment
of a display assembly utilizing electrostatic means for intimacy of
contact between the graphic image plate and lenticular lens
plate.
[0041] FIG. 13--Illustrates a partial front view of an alternative
means for image resolution.
[0042] FIG. 14--Illustrates a side section view of the means for
image resolution depicted in FIG. 13.
[0043] FIG. 15--Illustrates a side section view of an extrusion
suitable for attachment to the lens plate and back plate.
[0044] FIG. 16--Illustrates a perspective view of an alignment
means adapted to provide tensioning for a graphic image plate.
[0045] FIG. 17--Illustrates a perspective view of the alignment
means of FIG. 16, partially disassembled.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in may
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail several embodiments of the invention. The
present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the
principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad
aspect of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.
[0047] FIGS. 2 through 11 show one embodiment of the lenticular
display assembly 10 that provides a self-actuating lenticular
display capable of being used with existing signage display systems
that typically implement graphic images having a thickness of up to
0.25 inches at the graphic image's perimeter.
[0048] FIGS. 2 through 5 show the lenticular display assembly 10
comprises a lenticular lens plate 12, a lenticular image plate 14,
means for maintaining the intimacy of the relationship 16 between
the lenticular image plate 14 and the lenticular lens plate 12, and
a rigid back plate 18. The lenticular image plate 14 is smaller
than the lenticular lens plate 12 and is enclosed between the
lenticular lens plate 12 and the rigid back plate 18. In the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, these two plates 12, 18 are
preferably separated by a thin, narrow spacer 25 at their
perimeter. This spacer 25 secures the relative positions of the
lens 12 and back plate 18 and allows a minimum but adequate space
for the graphic 14 to reside. The spacer 25 may be constructed from
a closed-cell foam material, perhaps backed by adhesive for ease of
installation. The rigid back plate 18 is illustrated as being
slightly larger than the lenticular image plate 14 and slightly
smaller than the lenticular lens plate 12, although the back plate
18 may actually be larger than the lens 12, as discussed
previously. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, foam rubber stripping 22
is installed around the perimeter 20 of the rigid back plate 18,
held in place by adhesive or other suitable means, and spaced apart
laterally from the image plate 14 by an appropriate amount, so that
the foam rubber stripping 22 does not interfere with movement of
the image plate 14. The foam rubber stripping 22, or other
structure capable of maintaining a relatively tight seal, forms a
sealed chamber 24 where the lenticular image plate 14 can move in a
parallel plane with the lenticular lens plate 12 and the rigid back
plate 18. The foam rubber stripping 22 is attached to the
lenticular lens by an adhesive, or other means of attaching such
material that will maintain a relatively tight seal. A sealant,
such as silicon sealant, is used at the joints to help attain the
relatively tight seal of the sealed chamber 24.
[0049] Means for moving 26 the lenticular image plate 14 are placed
away from the perimeter 28 of the lenticular display assembly 10 so
as not to interfere with the installation of the lenticular display
assembly 10 into existing signage display systems. The object is to
minimize the thickness 30 of the lenticular display assembly 10 so
that the lenticular display assembly 10 can be incorporated as any
other "graphic image" and thereby fit into existing signage display
systems. The means for movement 26 are preferably compact and do
not obstruct the backlight capability of the image. FIGS. 7-9 show
the preferred embodiment.
[0050] Preferably, the moving means 26 comprises an adjustable,
off-center cam 32 residing within an elliptical opening 34 of a
slider plate 36, the slider plate 36 having a drive pin 38. The
off-center cam 32 translates the rotational travel force of the
moving means 26, preferably a continuous or step motor, to the
desired linear movement. The distance of travel necessary to
display all the images is the width of one lenticule 40. The
off-center cam 32 is designed to be adaptable to and cooperate with
the specific dimensions of the lenticular lens plate 12 used. Thus
the off-center cam 32 is capable of being changed depending upon
the physical characteristics of the lenticular lens plate 12, i.e.,
the width of lenticule 40. The moving means 26, as shown in FIG. 8,
is integrated with an adjustment plate 42 that includes a first
alignment means 44, that confine the motion of the lenticular image
plate 14 to the desired range.
[0051] Critical to the quality of the lenticular display presented,
the lenticular display assembly 10 must ensure proper alignment of
the lenticular lens plate 12 and the lenticular image plate 14 to
perfect the presentation of the "first" and "last" image seen from
a "head on" view. The first alignment means 44 is capable of
adjusting the alignment of the moving means 26 along the axis of
motion 46. See FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0052] A preferred embodiment of the first alignment means 44 is
shown in FIG. 8. An adjustment housing 48 rides against a motor
mounting plate 50. The slider plate 36 is adapted to the motor
mounting plate 50 wherein the off-center cam 32 cooperates with the
slider plate 36 and the drive pin 38 for motion of the lenticular
image plate 14 along the axis of motion 46. The motor mounting
plate 50 is attached to the rigid back plate 18.
[0053] In addition, the lenticular lens plate 12 and lenticular
image plate 14 must be alignable along the axis 56 perpendicular to
the motion of the lenticular image plate 14. A second alignment
means 58, preferably similar to the first alignment means 44 shown
in FIG. 10, adjusts the lenticular image plate 14 in relation to
the lenticular lens plate 12. In one configuration, a second
alignment means 58 is located on the motor mounting plate 50 with
the drive pin 38 (FIG. 8). In a second configuration, the second
alignment means 58, i.e., pin 60 is on a separate plate assembly 62
(FIG. 10).
[0054] FIG. 9 shows the drive pin 38 and alignment pin 60 protrude
through the rigid back plate 18 of the chamber 24 so that the
lenticular image plate 14 is mounted via the drive pin 38 and
alignment pin 60. The lenticular image plate 14 has a hole and
grommet 64 that receives the drive pin. Similarly, the lenticular
image plate 14 has alignment slot 66 that receive the grommet 68
and alignment pin 60. The alignment slot 66 restricts movement of
the lenticular image plate 14 in a direction substantially parallel
to the direction of the alignment slot 66. The adjustment of the
alignment pin 60 is in a direction substantially perpendicular to
the direction of the alignment slot 66.
[0055] An important aspect of the self-actuating lenticular display
assembly 10 is maintaining the "intimacy of the relationship"
between the lenticular image plate 14 and the lenticular lens plate
12. If the lenticular image plate 14 is not maintained in an
intimate relationship with the lenticular lens plate 12, "soft
spots" 70 occur in the displayed image. A "soft spot" 70 describes
the blurred lenticular display or portion of the lenticular display
that is produced when the intimacy of the relationship 16 is not
maintained and the image resides outside of the focal length of the
lens. The "soft spot" 70 is an undesirable condition that detracts
from the presentation of an effective lenticular display.
[0056] Means for maintaining the intimacy of the relationship 16 of
the lenticular lens plate 12 with the lenticular image plate 14 is
provided to prevent soft spots from occurring. The object is to
maintain the lenticular image plate 14 and the lenticular lens
plate 12 together so that the intimacy of the relationship 16 is
maintained. See FIGS. 2-4.
[0057] Preferably, the means for maintaining the intimacy of the
relationship 16 comprises an inflated sealed bladder 72 made of
flexible material such as thin plastic sheeting attached to the
rigid back plate 18 by adhesive or other means that will maintain a
relatively tight seal between the flexible material and the rigid
back plate 18 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. The flexible material must
be transparent when the lenticular display assembly 10 is
constructed to be used in a light box display that provides light
from behind the lenticular display assembly 10. The sealed bladder
72 can however be made of non-transparent material if the
lenticular display assembly 10 is constructed to be used in an
application that will not utilize back lighting. The sealed bladder
72 is inflated by way of a hose 74 connected to a motorized air
pump 76 that pumps air through the hose 74 and into the sealed
bladder 72. The motorized air pump 76 can be mounted to the back of
the rigid back plate 18, or the motorized air pump 76 may be placed
in a remote location from the lenticular display assembly 10.
[0058] Due to the flexibility of the sealed bladder material, the
pressure that is produced within the sealed bladder 72 expands the
sealed bladder 72 into the chamber 24. The rigid back plate 18
maintains the original size and volume of the chamber 24 so that as
the sealed bladder 72 inflates, the volume within the chamber 24
decreases. Accordingly, as the sealed bladder 72 inflates, it
pushes the lenticular image plate 14 toward the lenticular lens
plate 12 to attain the desired intimacy of the relationship 16. The
internal pressure of the sealed bladder 72 can be altered to
control the intimacy of the relationship 16 between the lenticular
image plate 14 and the lenticular lens plate 12 thereby effectively
eliminating any soft spots 70 that may occur. The amount of
pressure is critical to the operation of the lenticular display
assembly 10, as too little pressure will not prevent soft spots 70
from forming, and too much pressure will prevent the lenticular
image plate 14 from moving in intimate relationship with the
lenticular lens plate 12. Typically, less than 3 p.s.i. are
required to maintain the intimacy of the relationship 16 between a
lenticular lens plate 12 measuring 48".times.36" and a lenticular
image plate 14 that measures 45".times.33".
[0059] The clearance area 78 between the holes and the drive pin 38
and alignment pin 60 that protrude through the holes are sealed by
placing adhesive tape around the drive pin 38 and the alignment pin
60. Rubber O-rings or other like structures can also be used around
the drive pin 38 and alignment pin 60 to maintain the seal.
[0060] Alternatively, the means for maintaining the intimacy of the
relationship 16 comprises using the sealed chamber concept to
deflect the lenticular lens plate 12 toward the lenticular image
plate 14. A second sealed chamber 80 is formed between the
lenticular lens plate 12 and a rigid protective cover 82 that may
be employed to protect the lenticular lens plate 12 as shown in
FIG. 3. Foam rubber stripping 22, or other structure capable of
maintaining a relatively tight seal, is adhered to the rigid
protective cover 82, and is in turn adhered to the outside of the
lenticular lens plate 12. A sealant, such as silicon sealant, is
used to help attain the relatively tight seal within the second
sealed chamber 80.
[0061] The second sealed chamber 80 is pressurized by way of a hose
74 connected to a motorized air pump 76 that pumps air through the
hose 74 and into the second sealed chamber 80. As the second sealed
chamber 80 pressurizes, the lenticular lens plate 12 deflects
toward the lenticular image plate 14 as the rigid protective cover
82 resists deflection. The deflection of the lenticular lens plate
12 toward the lenticular image plate 14 attains the intimacy of the
relationship 16 that is necessary to eliminate soft spots 70 and
provide an effective lenticular display.
[0062] This embodiment of the means for maintaining the intimacy of
the relationship 16 does not require sealing of the clearance area
78 between the holes in the rigid back plate 18 and the drive pin
38 and alignment pin 60 that protrude through the holes due to the
second sealed chamber 80 being located on the opposite side of the
lenticular lens plate 12. The overall thickness 30 of the
lenticular display assembly 10 is increased due to the second
sealed chamber 80, however, the rigid protective cover 82 can be
sized such that it does not interfere with the intended goal of
providing a lenticular display assembly 10 that is capable of being
used in an existing signage display system or light box
display.
[0063] As noted above, alternative embodiments that also ensure the
requisite degree of intimacy between the lenticular lens and the
underlying graphic image plate are also possible. FIG. 12 shows a
system in which a transparent conductive film 84 is applied to the
back surface of the lenticular lens plate 12. A D.C. (direct
current) power supply 86 having output current limiting, as is
well-known in the applicable art, is coupled via an insulated
electrical conductor 88 to the surface of the conductive film 84 at
a connection point 90. The connection of the electrical conductor
88 at the attachment point 90 may be achieved in a number of ways,
such as by application of a conductive adhesive, for example, that
forms a conductive bond between the film 84 and the conductor 88.
Of course, the conductor 88 should have an insulating portion
surrounding it, except at and near the connection point 90, for the
sake of safety.
[0064] Naturally, since the power supply 86 is current limited, any
safety issues involved are nearly insignificant. When the power
supply 86 is energized, there is an inrush current to the
conductive film 84 that represents transport of electric charge to
the initially uncharged conductor 84. Because of the current
limiting in the power supply, it may take from several seconds to
several minutes for an adequate charge to be delivered to the
conductive film 84. The voltage maintained at the output of the
supply 86 (to which the conductor 88 is coupled) may be quite high,
on the order of 500 to 5000 volts, for example. As the conductive
film 84 becomes fully charged, the need for charging current
decreases.
[0065] After charging is successfully completed, the charge
distribution on the conductive film 84 is believed to be
substantially uniform. This charge attracts the underlying graphic
image plate 14 into intimate contact with the conductive film 84,
while still allowing the drive assembly 26 to move the graphic 14
with respect to the lens 12 in order to achieve the desired image
animation. It is thought that some charge leakage occurs, and
therefore it is necessary to maintain the connection between the
power supply 86 and the conductive film 84.
[0066] Experiments have indicated that modifications may be made to
the illustrative configuration without adversely impacting
operation. For example, electrical contact between the power supply
86 and the conductive film 84 may be made at multiple points to
ensure a uniform charge distribution. It is also theoretically
possible to charge both the graphic image plate 14 (after applying
a transparent conductive film to the image plate 14 as well) and
the lens 12 to further encourage intimacy of contact, although this
is not illustrated in the drawings. Experiments have also shown
that adding a second electrode, either grounded or supplied with an
opposite charge, applied to either the graphic or the back plate,
can substantially increase the pull of the image to the lens, or
can supply the same pull while requiring less voltage to do so.
[0067] It has also been observed that the graphic image plate 14
may not adhere uniformly to the lens plate 12 under all
circumstances using the electrostatic technique described above. To
ensure uniform adherence, and proper intimacy of contact, a
stiffener strip 92 may be attached laterally to the back surface of
the graphic image plate 14. This stiffener 92 may simply be a strip
of plastic, such as polycarbonate, that can be attached to the
graphic 14 by taping, for example, or through use of an appropriate
adhesive. It is also possible to employ a second stiffener strip,
in a similar lateral configuration, near the opposite end of the
graphic image plate 14, although this configuration is not
illustrated in the drawings.
[0068] As noted previously, the lenticular lens 12 serves the
purpose of resolving the images stored on the graphic image plate
14 for the benefit of a distant observer. Another means for image
resolution may also be incorporated in any of the illustrative
embodiments discussed above. FIG. 13 is a partial front view of a
barrier strip 94 that may be substituted for the lenticular lens
plate 12 in any of the embodiments discussed above. As shown, the
barrier strip 94 employs a collection of laterally extending opaque
regions 96 alternating with transparent regions 98. The effect is
that of a series of "bars" running across the face of the barrier
strip 94; hence its name. Both a barrier strip or a lenticular lens
may serve as a means for resolving an image. Because of this
functionality, both a barrier strip and a lenticular lens may be
termed an image resolving plate, or a means for resolving an
image.
[0069] The barrier strip geometry permits selected regions of the
underlying graphic image plate to become visible through the
transparent portions 98 as the image plate is moved. This serves
essentially the same purpose as the lenticular lens plate 12
described in conjunction with the several embodiments of the
present invention. It is worth considering that, in addition to
simple "morphing" (metamorphosing), in which an image changes its
character as it is moved with respect to the overlying resolving
means, the system described can also be utilized for purposes of
animation. Of course, a number of disparate images may be stored on
the graphic image plate, and proper resolution of the images
depends upon the appropriate image "lines" being properly aligned
with the transparent regions of the barrier strip. By adapting the
"cam" used to regulate the movement of the drive pin that moves the
image, an animation sequence can be displayed, and the graphic
restored to its "start" position by an abrupt "flyback" movement of
the drive pin. The animation sequence can then be repeated.
[0070] The number of different images that can be included on a
graphic image plate usable with the present invention is to some
degree dependent upon resolution concerns. For the barrier strip
implementation, for example, three distinct images can be
reproduced using a barrier strip aspect ration of 4:1 (that is, the
width of the opaque bars is four times greater than the width of
the transparent bars). Needless to say, resolution of the resulting
image will suffer if the aspect ratio were extended to 8:1 for the
purpose of displaying more different images. An 8:1 ratio would
increase the resolving power of the barrier and would allow more
images to be seen, but such an increase in aspect ratio also
reduces the light output substantially (7/8 of the light would be
held back) and the resulting image output would appear relatively
dark. One reason that three images can be used effectively at the
4:1 ratio is that the stroke of the motor-driven motion does not
cover the full width of a lenticular.
[0071] FIG. 14 illustrates one form of the barrier strip 94 in
section view. It is both economical and fully functional to
manufacture the barrier strip 94 as a laminate film, in which a
dimensionally stable carrier, layer 100, has printed on one side
the alternating region of opaque and transparent bars 102, and a
transparent conductive layer 104 is bonded to the opposite laminate
surface. Adding a layer of optically clear adhesive 105 over the
conductive layer would make the assembly all the more efficient in
construction. The actual order in which the layers appear is not
particularly important in application; it is simply their combined
presence that is significant. This construction of a barrier strip
laminate reduces the cost of the resultant display system, allows
the use of electrostatic adherence technology for intimacy of
contact, and would even permit "upgrade kits" to be prepared
economically for the purpose of adapting existing display systems
to the instant technology.
[0072] An alternative arrangement for achieving proper alignment of
the graphic image plate with respect to the lenticular lens plate
or other suitable image resolving device is illustrated in FIGS. 16
and 17, generally depicted by the numeral 300. The alignment device
300 is preferably constructed of metal, although plastic of
suitable structural integrity would also serve in this application.
The device 300 includes a front plate 301 that is firmly affixed
with respect to the back plate of the display device. Of course,
since one will recognize that alignment of the graphic with respect
to a lens or barrier strip is the ultimate goal, it is only
necessary that the front plate of the alignment device remain
stationary with respect to the lens or barrier strip. Since the
construction of the display devices in accordance with the present
invention generally contemplates that the lens (or barrier strip)
is fixed in position with respect to the back plate, affixing the
front plate 301 so that is stationary with respect to the back
plate of the display device is sufficient. This suggested
arrangement should not be interpreted to exclude affixing the front
plate 301 to the lens in some operationally appropriate fashion,
however.
[0073] The front plate 301 further includes an opening 302 therein.
The opening 302 is illustrated as being generally square in shape,
although it will become apparent that the opening 302 need only be
large enough to accommodate a useful range of adjustment. In
addition to providing an alignment capability, the alignment
mechanism 300 is designed to introduce a prescribed tension to the
graphic image plate in order to encourage smooth and unencumbered
movement of the graphic image plate with respect to the lens,
barrier strip, or other image resolving mechanism.
[0074] To realize this tensioning capability, a helical spring 308
of suitable stiffness is installed within two mating sleeves 305,
306. One of the sleeves 306 is slightly smaller in outside diameter
than the inside diameter of the other sleeve 305, so that that
sleeve 306 fits within sleeve 30, leaving ample room for relative
reciprocal motion. In the preferred form, the smaller sleeve
includes an opening therethrough to accommodate a pin 307. The pin
is adapted and arranged to engage a grommet in the graphic image
plate in much the same way as described above with reference to the
moving and aligning devices of FIGS. 8 through 11.
[0075] When the sleeve arrangement 305, 306 and its enclosed spring
308 are assembled, top and bottom plates 304 secure the sleeve
arrangement within a recess in the back cover 303, and allow the
pin 307 to protrude through an elongated opening 309 that
communicates with the recess. Once assembled, when the pin 307
moves in the direction of arrow A (FIG. 16), the spring 308
compresses further, providing an appropriate bias opposite the
direction of arrow A. Once the alignment mechanism 300 is
appropriately installed, rotation of knurled knob 310 adjusts the
pin 307 from side to side, in the direction of arrow B (or opposite
arrow B, as desired). This lateral adjustment capability is
achieved in much the same manner as described above with respect to
FIGS. 8 through 11.
[0076] In the present alignment mechanism 300, the knurled knob 310
is coupled to a threaded shaft that rotates within a nut (not
shown) that is affixed to the back cover 303 of the alignment
mechanism 300. The back cover is slidably coupled to the front
plate by known means, such as the provision of elongated mounting
holes in the back cover or a tab and slot arrangement, although the
specific method is not illustrated in the drawings. This allows the
back cover (and the enclosed pin 307) to move laterally with
respect to the front plate 301, thus effecting the desired lateral
adjustment. It should be noted that providing tension for the
graphic image plate may well obviate the need for additional
stiffeners attached to the graphic image plate, thus streamlining
the installation procedure when graphics are replaced in existing
signage.
[0077] For ease of assembly of the lenticular display system
describe above, an extrusion such as the one illustrated in FIG. 15
may be employed. As can be appreciated from an examination of the
Figure, the extrusion 200 is designed to "snap" onto the perimeter
of the lens plate and back plate. The extrusion 200 includes an
integrally formed extension 201 that overlaps the perimeter of the
lens plate to provide a seal against the environment. The lens
plate is held in place within first cavity 202, while the back
plate perimeter fits within second cavity 203. An integrally formed
intervening portion or flap 204 provides the required spacing
between the lens plate and back plate, and thereby creates the
space where the graphic resides. The extrusion 200 also features a
thin protrusion 205 from it's perimeter that creates the thin
profile required to fit existing fixtures. Ease of assembly,
disassembly, and re-assembly are key features of a useful and
economically viable display assembly that allows easy replacement
of graphic images and that is completely compatible with existing
display enclosures.
[0078] Although not suggested above in the discussion of the
preferred forms of the invention, it is also contemplated that both
the drive mechanism and the alignment mechanism could be moved to
the front of the display unit, instead of being mounted to the back
side of the back plate. This arrangement has an immediate advantage
when used in conjunction with the bladder arrangement of FIG. 2.
One of the reasons for installation of grommets in the graphic
image plate is to allow for motion of the graphic image plate
induced by the bladder. In other words, the bladder tends to push
the graphic away from the drive and alignment pins, necessitating
the use of grommets to permit graphic travel without disengaging
the pins. This difficulty would be eliminated by front mounting of
the drive and alignment mechanisms, since the action of the bladder
would now tend to further engage the pins with the graphic image
plate instead of pushing the image plate away. Furthermore, rear
installation of the drive and alignment mechanisms requires that
slots be provided in the bladder to accommodate the pins, adding to
the fabrication cost of the bladder. This necessity of slots in the
bladder is also eliminated by front installation of the drive and
alignment mechanisms.
[0079] An additional advantage of front alignment is that the
requirement for space within a display housing to accommodate the
drive motor is also eliminated. When the drive mechanism is moved
to the front, it can be enclosed within a housing or cowling to
protect it from the environment, but it would no longer require a
space allocation within the display housing. This would allow
easier retrofitting of existing signage with the self-actuating
displays of the present invention.
[0080] As various possible embodiments may be made in the above
invention for use for different purposes and as various changes
might be made in the embodiments and methods above set forth, it is
understood that all of the above matters here set forth or shown in
the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and
not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *